Damnable Heresies

The KJV uses pretty colorful language in 2 Pet 2.1, when speaking about false teachers. Peter says that they "shall bring in damnable heresies." There is a certain resonance to that translation, although it is not altogether accurate. The ESV is more accurate, they will "bring in destructive heresies." The Greek word means "the destruction that one causes or experiences." Here BDAG says it is the destruction that one experiences because this type of heresy has the potential to destroy one's faith, and certainly to destroy the church.

This is exactly why both Peter and Paul wrote so strongly against false teachers and against heresies. This is also why we need to carefully guard the heart of the gospel. Satan is always working against the gospel in any way he can, by undermining it, by questioning it, by subverting it. False teachers aid and abet him.

The Promise of Freedom

Thinking about 2. Peter 2.19, this morning. Peter is severely taking to task false teachers in the church who promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you (NLT). Deep words. True words. How foolish we are if we turn aside from the excellency of Christ to pursue things that are useful in this world only. The endless pursuit of sex only makes you a slave to your sexual nature; there is no satisfaction to be found there. The same goes for power. The same for pride.

Don't shipwreck your faith in pursuit of a few colored glass beads and some temporal trinkets. True, lasting freedom is to be found in Christ alone.

Prayer: O Lord God, may I pursue Christ always. Christ before all things. May I see his excellency and desire him alone.